In 2014, John Cadman took first place in the Hawaii Food Products Recipe Contest for his delicious Ulu Hummus.

KAHULUI – Hawaii Food Products Recipe Contest organizers are currently seeking new, locally made food products that utilize Hawaii grown and/or made ingredients. Sponsored by the Maui Food Technology Center (MFTC), the contest will be held during the Maui County Ag Festival at Maui Tropical Plantation in Waikapu on Saturday, April 4.

Hawaii residents 18 years of age or older are eligible to enter. Each entry form must include a list of ingredients in the recipe, specifying the Hawaii ingredients, and include a short story about the product.

Six servings of the contest entry product must be delivered between 9 and 10 a.m. on Saturday, April 4, to the Grand Taste Education Tent at the festival.

Recipes will be judged on taste, appearance, commercial viability of recipe and the best use of Hawaii grown and/or made ingredients.

The more local ingredients, the more points will be awarded.

Winners will receive assistance from MFTC consultants with nutritional label or food science services to help them take their product from idea to the store shelves. The first place winner will receive consultation services valued at $1,500 ($500 in consultation services for second place and $250 for third).

For an official contest entry form, visit www.MauiFoodTechnology.org or call (808) 948-MFTC (6382). Send completed entry forms via e-mail to info@MauiFoodTechnology.org or fax to (888) 887-4495 no later than April 1.

“We look forward to helping this year’s recipe contest winners bring their food product ideas to market,” said Luana Mahi, MFTC president. “Hawaii has such an incredible pool of culinary talent, and when you pair that with the fresh local ingredients grown and made here at home, it always adds up to a winning combination.”

Established in 2004, Maui Food Technology Center is a nonprofit organization focused on growing Hawaii’s food industry, connecting students, food producers and farmers through the practice of food science.

MFTC provides nonprofit outreach and business incubation services designed to identify and develop opportunities for local entrepreneurs to be successful in the agriculture and food product industries.